The Dignity of the Eucharistic Celebration By Father Edward McNamara, LC In dealing with the dignity of the surroundings and decorum of the eucharistic celebration, the encyclical "Ecclesia de Eucharistia" takes its cue from several Gospel texts which complement and enhance our understanding of the simple, yet solemn moment of the sacrament's institution. Thus, the accounts of the anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:8; Mark 14:4; John 12:4) "anticipate the honor which his body will continue to merit even after his death, indissolubly bound as it is to the mystery of his person" ("Ecclesia de Eucharistia," No. 47). The "careful" preparation...